The wiring diagram lets you define the different installation components and locations (cabinets, control panels, consoles, connection boxes, etc.) and gives you a synoptic, functional view of the installation. The terminal strips and cabling connections between locations can be defined at the beginning, during or at the end of the project design. The length of the pathways can also be defined by the user and thus serve as a default value, for all cables within the given pathway.

Some components and symbols of wiring diagram are: Capacitor, used to store electric charge. Toggle Switch, stops the flow of current when open. Push Button Switch, momentarily allows current flow when button is pushed in, breaks current when released. Battery, stores electric charge and generates a constant voltage .Resistor, restricts current flow. Ground wire, used for protection. Circuit breaker, used to protect a circuit from an overload of current. Inductor, a coil that generates a magnetic field. Antenna, transmits and receives radio waves. Surge protector, used to protect a circuit from a spike in voltage. Lamp, generates light when current flows through. Diode, allows current to flow in one direction indicated by an arrowhead or triangle on the wire. Microphone, converts sound into electrical signal. Electrical motor. Transformer, changes AC voltage from high to low or vice versa. Headphone. Thermostat. Electrical outlet. Junction box.

US single-phase residential power distribution transformer, showing the two insulated "Line" conductors and the bare "Neutral" conductor (derived from the earthed center-tap of the transformer). The distribution supporting cantenaries are also shown.

Unlike a pictorial diagram, a wiring diagram uses abstract or simplified shapes and lines to show components. Pictorial diagrams are often photos with labels or highly-detailed drawings of the physical components.